Forklift Operator

Job Title: Forklift Operator Job Description

This role focuses on accurately picking and replenishing inventory, operating reach trucks and stand-up forklifts, and supporting shipping and staging activities in a high-volume warehouse environment. You will use RF scan guns and desktop applications to ensure precise order fulfillment, maintain productivity and accuracy standards, and collaborate closely with warehouse teams to keep operations running smoothly.

Responsibilities

• Fulfill customer orders with a minimum of 99% picking accuracy using RF scanners, following all location, product code, lot number, and quantity requirements.

• Complete order picks within assigned timeframes while maintaining consistent productivity levels in the designated zone.

• Perform timely replenishment (reverse picking) of finished goods to designated locations, meeting required time standards and ensuring 100% accuracy in product placement and documentation.

• Support inventory activities, including material handling, staging orders, and replenishing stock to maintain optimal inventory levels.

• Operate reach trucks and stand-up forklifts safely and efficiently in a busy warehouse setting.

• Adhere fully to all company policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and warehouse processes, maintaining zero policy violations.

• Use MS Dynamics 365 F&O and MS Office (Word and Excel) to support picking, inventory tracking, and documentation tasks.

• Communicate effectively with warehouse personnel and supervisors to support smooth workflow and order fulfillment.

• Proactively report issues, delays, or inventory discrepancies through established communication channels.

• Follow written and verbal instructions accurately and communicate information clearly in English.

• Work both independently and as part of a team to meet daily assignments and production goals.

• Demonstrate strong initiative, good organizational skills, and effective time management to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

• Remain flexible to work weekends and extended periods of time, including early overtime shifts, when needed.

Essential Skills

• In-depth, firsthand knowledge and experience as a forklift operator, including reach truck and stand-up forklift operation.

• Hands-on experience with picking responsibilities in a warehouse environment.

• Proficiency using RF scan guns for order picking and inventory activities.

• Experience with desktop applications, including MS Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations and MS Office (MS Word and Excel).

• High School Diploma or GED.

• Ability to interpret, understand, follow, and communicate instructions clearly.

• Ability to work effectively both in a team setting and independently.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (read and write clearly).

• Strong initiative, self-confidence, good organizational skills, and excellent time management.

• Flexibility to work weekends and extended periods of time, including early overtime, when required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bi-lingual (Spanish) is a plus but not required.

• Experience with material handling, staging orders, and supporting shipping activities.

• Comfort working in a very fast-paced, high-volume warehouse with many team members on the same shift.

Why Work Here?

Join a family-owned organization that creates educational products and genuinely promotes from within, offering strong job security and long-term growth. Employees benefit from cross-training opportunities across sister facilities, gaining broader skills and more advancement options. The culture emphasizes stability, internal development, and supporting team members to build lasting careers.

Work Environment

You will work in a clean, large warehouse environment that is very fast-paced, with over 100 people working on the same shift. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with overtime that may start as early as 5:00 a.m. when needed. The role involves regular operation of reach trucks, stand-up forklifts, and RF scan guns, as well as frequent material handling and movement throughout the facility.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Vernon Hills, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Vernon Hills, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Vernon Hills,IL.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.